Keeping an eye on keys important in preventing vehicle thefts, police say

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- In an
effort to crack down on car thefts, the Birmingham Police Department has some
simple advice for drivers: Don't leave your keys in your car.

In a news
release from Birmingham Police spokesman Sgt. Johnny Williams, the department
said many vehicle thefts could have been prevented if citizens had kept their keys with them
and not left them in an unattended vehicle. That includes when making quick runs into a convenience store or keeping the car on to warm it up in cold weather.